NBA Mock Draft 8.0: Shaping up to be an unpredictable draft night

BOSTON – Mock Drafts always have a certain fluidity about them, but this year feels different.

The usual rumors and trade talk began earlier than usual.

And as we embark on tonight’s draft, it’s shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable ones we’ve had in years.

The Boston Celtics set things off by landing the top overall pick, only to flip it for the No. 3 pick and a future first-rounder in 2018 or 2019.

Not soon after that, Paul George forced the Indiana Pacers to put him on the trade block when, through his agent, he told them that he would not sign a long-term deal with them once he hits free agency in the summer of 2018.

Phil Jackson has said he’s thinking about trading Kristaps Porzingis and has had several suitors, the Celtics included.

And then there’s the Jimmy Butler may/may not be traded drama … this has made for an awesome lead-in to tonight’s draft.